4. CHECK OUT THE
GEORGE MASON OFF-CAMPUS WEBSITE
http://och.gmu.edu
Find Rentals &
Roommates
Compare Favorite
Properties
Post Sublets
5. CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET & PRIORITIES
What is my monthly budget?
Rent + Utilities
Transportation/Parking
Food
Rank your housing priorities
Cost
Location
Length of lease available (academic year vs. 12 month)
Quality of the house/apartment
Having my own bedroom
Having my own bathroom
How many roommates?
Amenities—washer/dryer, kitchen, dishwasher, furnished, pool,
fitness center, business center, etc.
6. FIND THE RIGHT ROOMMATES
Ask questions about lifestyle/habits before you decide to live
with someone!
Sleeping - Early bird vs. night owl
Studying – At home vs. library
Social Habits
Music/noise level preferences
Guest policy
Cleaning expectations
Avoid groups of three – even numbers tend to work better
Check out the Roommate Finder on och.gmu.edu!
8. QUESTIONS FOR LANDLORDS
A r e u t ilities / WiFi / Ca ble i n c luded i n r e n t ?
If not, what is the estimated monthly cost?
H o w m a ny p a rk ing s p a c es a re ava ila ble? Is t h e re a n ex t ra fe e fo r pa rk i n g? Wi l l
I h ave to s i gn a pa rk i n g c o n t ra c t fo r 1 2 m o n t h s?
D o yo u t a ke c h e c ks fro m a l l te n a n t s i n t h e a pa r t m e n t /house o r j us t o n e c h e c k
fro m t h e g ro up?
I s t h e re a m a inten ance p e r so n o n c a ll 24 / 7 ?
Wh o i s re s po n sible fo r o ut do o r m a i ntena nc e? ( fo r h o us es )
Any t h in g n ot a l l owed? — fish t a n k s, pet s , wa te r be ds ?
H o w m uc h i s t h e s e c urit y d e po s it ?
I s t h e re a w a s her/ dr ye r i n t h e u n it o r i n t h e b u i lding? If t h e re i s a l a un dr y
ro o m , i s i t c o i n -op o r i s t h e re a n e l e c t ro nic pay m e nt s y s te m? H ow m a ny
wa s h er s/dr ye r s i n t h e l a un dr y ro o m ?
I s t h e re s e c urit y i n t h e bui l di ng/are a? H ow do e s s e c uri t y di f fe r o n we e k day s,
we e ke nds, h o lidays/bre aks?
Are t h e re ex te ri o r l i ght s a n d a re t h ey wo rk i n g?
D o a l l be dro o m s h ave s m o ke dete c to r s? Are t h ey h a rd w i re d o r ba t te r y
o pe ra te d?
D o e s t h e h o us e/c omplex h ave a s pri n kler s y s te m? Wh o pay s fo r i t ?
H o w m uc h i s t h e s u b let fe e ? Wh a t i s t h e s ubl et pro c e s s ?
Wh e n w i l l I be ex pe c te d to re n ew t h e l e a se/not ic e o f c a n c e llat ion ?
W h e re i s t h e n e are st b u s s to p ?
9. READ AND UNDERSTAND YOUR LEASE
Before you sign, read through the jargon and find out what it really
means
Look up uncommon terms online
Check out VA Legal Aid:
http://www.valegalaid.org/issues/housing/landlord-and-tenant-
issueshttp://www.valegalaid.org/issues/housing/landlord-and-tenant-issues
Pay attention to:
Lease Length
Rent and charges—amount and where to pay it
Release of resident—what are the terms of release?
Policy on repairs and malfunctions—who is responsible?
Resident replacement and subletting
Multiple residents or occupants—who is responsible for lease obligations
(all residents)
“Joint and equally liable” –all tenants equally responsible for making
rent payments
Move-out inspection
Security deposit deductions
10. BE ALERT
Visit the property at night to see how safe you feel walking
around
Is the area well lit?
How far is the parking area or bus stop from the property?
Warning Signs for Rental & Roommate Scams:
Someone wants to exchange money with you sight unseen
Unwilling to answer questions
You receive a check for an amount significantly greater than the
monthly rent or security deposit
Your gut tells you it’s “too good to be true”!
12. SECURIT Y DEPOSITS AND INSPECTIONS
Schedule a walkthrough with your landlord within 5 days after
move-in
MAKE NOTES & TAKE PICTURES!
Ask: “What does it take to get my security deposit back?”
Schedule a walkthrough within 3 days of move out
13. SAFET Y
Stay in a group when going to/from property at night
Don’t leave valuables in your car
Secure windows
Agree on a locked door policy with roommates
Deadbolt locks on your doors
Entrances well lit
Working smoke detectors
Know fire escape routes
15. AVERAGE AREA COSTS
RENT
Ef ficiency --$1080 (ranges $825-$2500)
1Br--$955 (ranges $700-$4000)
2Br--$1 ,510 (ranges $1100-$4700)
3Br--$2014 (ranges $1350-$3700)
4+Br--$2640 (ranges $1400-$4600)
16. AVERAGE AREA COSTS
Utilities
Water/Sewer/Trash
Often included in apts., not houses
Electric/Gas
Apt: $75-120, House $100-200
Cable
$65 & up *watch for start rates
Internet
$43 & up *watch for start rates
17. IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING A HOUSE
Ask your landlord which maintenance needs are your
responsibility (snow removal, lawn care, etc.)
Ask your landlord if he/she accepts multiple checks or only
one check from all tenants
If one check required, decide amongst roommates what day of the
month money is due to the renter payer and how you will hold each
other accountable if rent is not turned in on time
Utilities cost more than apartments because you’re
heating/cooling a larger space with more hallways and
auxiliary rooms